Using a wall in your photoshoots is a great way to add structure and confidence to a pose. It gives the model something to lean on, making her feel more natural while creating interesting shapes in the frame.

Start by having her rest against the wall—her back, shoulder, or even just a hand. Try different angles by shifting her weight onto one leg and slightly bending the other, resting it on her toes. This instantly adds more movement and shapes the body better.

If you’re interested in exploring more posing techniques and learning how to use studio light to showcase your pregnant models in the best and most creative way, join us for a ONLINE CREATIVE MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY ACADEMY.

DON’T FORGET TO POSE EVERY SINGLE PART OF THE MODEL’S BODY

Hands make a big difference too—she can run fingers through her hair, rest one hand on her hip, or lightly touch the wall for a more relaxed look. The wall also helps create contrast, whether you’re going for bold, dramatic shadows or soft, natural light. Play around with lighting and negative space, and you’ll see how a simple setup can completely change the mood of a photo.

Don’t forget details—if the model leans in too much, it can cause unnecessary compression in the neck and arms, so guide her to keep a soft, natural posture. If you’re working with maternity clients, use the wall as a support while posing the hands around the belly to highlight the shape beautifully. The more you experiment, the more you’ll see how small adjustments can completely transform the energy of the shot.

Here are some posing ideas for photographers: Nailing hand positions in standing poses can take your portraits to the next level. Seriously, hands can make or break a shot—they show emotion, add energy, and bring the whole composition together. The trick? Keep them relaxed. No stiff, awkward mannequin hands allowed!

Have your model try things like resting a hand on their hip, running fingers through their hair, or holding something—like a jacket or bag—to add a little story to the image. Play around! Hands can say so much, from “I’m confident and unstoppable” to “I’m soft and dreamy.” Want more drama? Get them to brush a hand across their face or let their arms sway naturally.

And don’t forget lighting and angles—they’re your best friends when it comes to showing off that effortless, expressive vibe. Done right, those hands will make your portraits pop and leave everyone asking how you did it!

If you’re interested in exploring more posing techniques and learning how to use studio light to showcase your pregnant models in the best and most creative way, join us for a ONLINE CREATIVE MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY ACADEMY.

HERE ARE SOME POSING TIPS REGARDING POSING HANDS

What bends? Bend it! Joints are your secret weapon—bend the wrist, soften the fingers, and add curves to avoid stiff, straight lines. A slightly bent wrist can instantly make a pose look more dynamic and natural. Fingers shouldn’t be flat or rigid; instead, think soft, loose movements.

And don’t forget lighting and angles—they’re your best friends when it comes to showing off that effortless, expressive vibe. Done right, those hands will make your portraits pop and leave everyone asking how you did it!

If you’re still using a mouse or touchpad on your laptop for retouching, you’re doing it wrong. Switching to a graphic tablet will transform your workflow, making retouching faster, easier, and much more precise. Let me show you what I use in my studio: the Wacom Intuos Pro (size M). It’s a game-changer for professional photographers, offering unparalleled control and efficiency. Whether you’re fine-tuning skin texture, adjusting lighting, or adding creative touches, this tool gives you the precision and fluidity you need to take your edits to the next level.

If you’ve already purchased a Wacom tablet but haven’t transitioned to using it effectively yet, the problem might lie in the default factory settings. Many photographers struggle at first because they haven’t optimized these settings, but with a few tweaks, the tablet can dramatically improve your workflow and retouching experience.

These are the settings I use on my Wacom tablet that help me work efficiently. One of the most important adjustments to make when you first install the tablet is to change the settings from Pen Mode to Mouse Mode. This allows you to control your desired area of the screen with your pen, making navigation and precision much easier during retouching.

You can fully customize all the settings of your Wacom tablet and pen to match your personal workflow. This includes adjusting the pen’s sensitivity, speed, and pressure levels so it feels natural and responds exactly how you want it to. If you’re unsure where to start, don’t worry—start with the settings I’ve shared below as a baseline. From there, you can fine-tune them to suit your preferences and workflow. By personalizing these settings, you’ll ensure that your pen moves quickly and smoothly across the screen while maintaining just the right level of sensitivity for precise retouching.

After using the Wacom Intuos Pro (size M) for six years, I’ve realized I don’t use the full active area of the tablet. If I were to purchase one now, I’d probably switch to a smaller size for better portability and a more compact workflow. That said, one of the reasons I initially chose this particular tablet—and still love it—is its customizable function keys. These programmable keys allow you to assign your most frequently used actions or shortcuts, speeding up your retouching process even more. Whether it’s switching tools, zooming in, or undoing a step, these shortcuts save valuable time and keep your focus on creativity rather than clicking through menus.

If you’re interested in exploring more photography tips and tricks and creative maternity photography techniques – posing techniques and learning how to use studio light to showcase your pregnant models in the best and most interesting way, join us for a ONLINE CREATIVE MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY ACADEMY.

But if you more up to personal learning experience – let me invite you to in person workshops. These workshops are available in various locations. You can find all the details here: MATERNITY WORKSHOPS.

If you’re deciding between a traditional manual chain backdrop system and an electric backdrop system, don’t hesitate—go for the electric one. It’s a game-changer for any photography studio, offering convenience, speed, and precision at the touch of a button. However, not all electric systems are created equal, and choosing the right one can make a significant difference in your workflow. At first glance, most electric backdrop systems might appear nearly identical, with the only obvious difference being the design of the remote control. But beneath the surface, their functionality and performance can vary greatly, with one often proving far superior to the other. In this article, I’ll break down the subtle yet crucial differences to help you make an informed decision and invest in the system that best suits your studio’s needs.

In my studio, I currently have two electric backdrop systems: one is six years old, and the other is just six months old. Surprisingly, the older system has proven to be much better in terms of performance and reliability. Both systems are ceiling-mounted and designed to hold up to six backdrops, but I typically use only four backdrops on each. Over the years, I’ve tested them with a variety of materials, including paper backdrops, Savage paper rolls, and hand-painted canvases of different thicknesses and weights. Despite their similar installation and capacity, the differences in quality and functionality between the two systems have become increasingly apparent, reinforcing the importance of choosing the right electric backdrop system for your studio.

Both electric backdrop systems in my studio are officially non-branded, but there’s a subtle distinction: one of them has a brand name printed on the remote, while the other is completely generic. Despite this minor difference, neither system is tied to a well-known manufacturer, which can make it challenging to compare their quality at first glance. However, the presence of a name on the remote doesn’t necessarily indicate better performance or reliability—it’s the functionality and durability of the system itself that matter most. This underscores the need to look beyond surface-level branding and focus on how the system performs in a real studio setting.

SO WHICH MOTORISED ELECTRIC BACKDROP SYSTEM CHOOSE?

When choosing an electric backdrop system, I highly recommend opting for the motorized system with the black remote bearing the “Nanguang” name. This system stands out for its durability, stable performance, and smooth operation, making it a reliable addition to any studio setup. One of its standout features is the ability to program the backdrops using wireless transmission, allowing you to assign different channels for seamless operation. This level of functionality not only adds convenience but also ensures that the system can adapt to your specific needs, especially in a busy studio environment. In my experience, it’s a solid, well-engineered choice that outperforms other non-branded alternatives. HERE IS THE LINK

Avoid choosing the electric backdrop system with the white remote. In my experience, this system proved to be unreliable and caused significant issues in my studio. The backdrop holders eventually broke into pieces, but even before that, they frequently loosened inside the tubes holding the backdrops. As a result, the rolls would spin in place, making it impossible to lower or raise the backdrops properly. Each time, I had to climb a ladder to manually tighten them, which was both frustrating and time-consuming. Additionally, the system worked inconsistently, with frequent interruptions, and struggled to lift the weight of hand-painted canvas backdrops. The motor clearly couldn’t handle the load, making this system unsuitable for professional use.

Was this helpful? If so, don’t forget to let me know! Stay tuned for more photography tips, tricks, and gear recommendations to make your studio workflow smoother and more efficient.

If you’re interested in exploring more photography tips and tricks and creative maternity photography techniques – posing techniques and learning how to use studio light to showcase your pregnant models in the best and most interesting way, join us for a ONLINE CREATIVE MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY ACADEMY.

But if you more up to personal learning experience – let me invite you to in person workshops. These workshops are available in various locations. You can find all the details here: MATERNITY WORKSHOPS.

AA simple and efficient way to store modifiers in your photography studio is by hanging them on the wall using Spiro pipe collars. These collars are incredibly easy to mount and provide a practical solution for keeping your space organized. Designed to accommodate Bowens-mounted modifiers or any other modifiers with a mounting system of at least 11 cm in diameter, these pipe collars securely hold your gear, keeping it easily accessible and off the floor. By utilizing your wall space, you not only create a tidy studio environment but also ensure that your modifiers are always within reach, making your workflow smoother and more efficient.

These Spiro pipe collars are also incredibly easy to find and purchase. Available in most DIY stores and home improvement shops, they are a cost-effective and readily accessible solution for photographers looking to optimize their studio space. With a variety of sizes and materials to choose from, you can easily find the right fit for your needs without breaking the bank. Just a quick visit to your local hardware store or an online search will provide you with plenty of options to start organizing your modifiers in a simple and effective way.

here are some links where you can find them: EBAY UK, WALMART, AMAZON

Make sure you choose the longer one with a diameter of 10 cm.

If you’re interested in exploring more photography tips and tricks and creative maternity photography techniques – posing techniques and learning how to use studio light to showcase your pregnant models in the best and most interesting way, join us for a ONLINE CREATIVE MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY ACADEMY.

But if you more up to personal learning experience – let me invite you to in person workshops. These workshops are available in various locations. You can find all the details here: MATERNITY WORKSHOPS.